{"id":161137,"date":"2026-08-09T00:09:25","date_gmt":"2026-08-09T00:09:25","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/161137\/"},"modified":"2026-08-09T00:09:25","modified_gmt":"2026-08-09T00:09:25","slug":"two-major-moves-by-kent-hughes-and-the-montreal-canadiens-prove-to-be-outstanding-signings","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.europesays.com\/canada\/161137\/","title":{"rendered":"Two major moves by Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens prove to be outstanding signings"},"content":{"rendered":"


\n\t\t\t\t\t
\n\t\t\t\t\t \"Photo <\/p>\n

Photo credit: Screenshot<\/p>\n

Kent Hughes and the Montreal Canadiens have pulled off quite a feat.<\/p>\n

It’s an achievement that speaks volumes about the excellent work the general manager has done at the negotiating table.<\/p>\n

In IceMetrix’s latest rankings, three Canadiens players are listed among the 10 best contracts in the NHL.<\/p>\n

Montreal reportedly has three of the best contracts in the entire National Hockey League, including two signed by the current general manager.<\/p>\n

The rankings, released for the 2026-27 season, highlight the Canadiens’ strong contract management.<\/p>\n

It’s another recognition of Kent Hughes’ work.<\/p>\n

Unsurprisingly, Lane Hutson<\/a> sits at the top of the list.<\/p>\n

The young defenseman ranks first with his $8.85 million annual contract.<\/p>\n

It’s an incredible bargain, especially considering Quinn Hughes<\/a> is expected to sign for roughly $17 million or $18 million per season.<\/p>\n

The Canadiens captain ranks second with a deal worth $7.8 million per year.<\/p>\n

The sniper comes in ninth, also at $7.8 million per season, an incredible price for a 50-goal scorer.<\/p>\n

Having three players from the same team in the top 10 is pretty remarkable!<\/p>\n

Salary-cap management becomes a strategic advantage<\/p>\n

This type of ranking says a lot about Kent Hughes’ vision.<\/p>\n

Every contract signed at the right time creates valuable savings under the salary cap.<\/p>\n

That efficiency gives Montreal rare flexibility, and every dollar saved can be reinvested elsewhere to address the team’s needs and build around its core.<\/p>\n

It could allow Kent Hughes to pull off one or two more major moves.<\/p>\n

See the full rankings here:<\/p>\n

The list also includes Utah Mammoth winger Dylan Guenther<\/a>, another player I really like.<\/p>\n

Previously on Montreal Hockey Fanatics<\/p>\n

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